As Black History Month comes to a close, we reflect on the rich contributions Black people have made to our community and country.
The Faculty of Science is celebrating Black History Month with an event that shines a spotlight on the creativity and innovation of Black people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine (STEMM).
As well as highlighting the brilliance of Black people in STEMM, the Freedom Dreaming event will help untangle the challenges racialized communities currently face in these fields. The event takes place Thursday, Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the MacEwan Hall Ballroom. "Freedom Dreaming is going to be a wonderful event," says organizer Dr. Jennifer Adams, PhD, a professor in chemistry and Canada Research Chair in Creativity and STEMM.
“We're thrilled to be partnering with the United States Consulate General in Calgary to bring in some leading scholars on issues of teaching, learning, and research for racialized communities.â€
The event will feature a keynote by Dr. Terrell Morton, an assistant professor in identity and justice in STEMM education at the University of Illinois Chicago. As a scholar-activist, Morton works to transform the understanding and positioning of Blackness in mainstream education, specifically STEM, seeking justice and joy for Black women, Black students and other minoritized individuals.
Freedom Dreaming will also feature panel discussions and networking opportunities focused on racialized communities in STEMM. There will be a screening of Woman in Motion, the documentary story of Star Trek star Nichelle Nichols’s mission to recruit the next generation of NASA astronauts.
“This will be an amazing celebration of these communities' achievements, and we'll also take a meaningful look at the distance we still need to go in order to achieve equity — and some of the steps to get there together. We're anticipating a great turnout from across campus and beyond."
Freedom DreamingÌýis open to students, faculty, staff, and allies from across UCalgary and the community at large. In recognition of class schedules, attendees are welcome to drop in and out as their time permits. A light buffet lunch will be served at noon.
